The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department will ban open fires in city mountain and desert preserves effective Monday, May 13. In consultation with the Phoenix Fire Department, smoking and charcoal fires are included in the ban due to the extreme fire danger that the combination of low humidity, increasing temperatures and frequent high winds creates each spring. Additional information on the ban is available online at phoenix.gov/parks.

The Spectral Artists will host their 32nd annual art show celebrating the talent of local artists.

Burton Barr Central Library will host an exhibition of work by T.M. Noël, titled “Everyone Could Use a Hero,” through March 22 at the library’s @Central Gallery, 1221 N. Central Ave.

If you’ve got your decor looking just about right but want that extra “wow” factor, consider painting interior doors.

Leaves are changing and pumpkins are appearing on doorsteps around the country. As vibrant shades of orange fill the outdoors, they’re also becoming increasingly popular inside.

With nods to nostalgia, exotic motifs and tailored contemporary looks, the fall season in decor has lots to inspire home decorators.

From the Department of Things You Did Not Know You Had to Worry About comes a new advisory: Don’t eat your barbecue cleaning brush.

The city of Phoenix Fire Department wants residents to leave fireworks shows to the professionals.

The city of Phoenix Fire Department wants residents to leave fireworks shows to the professionals.

The Burton Barr Central Library will host an exhibit of works in charcoal by Jacob Fischer, titled “(un)Familiar Routine,” June 5 to Aug. 7 at the library’s @Central Gallery, 1221 N. Central Ave.

Due to the high risk of wildfire across Arizona, State Forester Scott Hunt announced that the Forestry Division will be expanding fire restrictions to include state lands in all 15 counties. Earlier this month, state lands in six southeastern counties were placed under restrictions.

The East Valley is once again playing a major role in the effort to fight wildfires in the state.

The East Valley is once again playing a major role in the effort to fight wildfires in the state.

A 16-year-old Peoria girl has been reported missing, police said Tuesday morning.

Ceramics are always a great supporting player on the home décor stage, but this season they’re grabbing more of the spotlight.

Luis Alicea recalled the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, as a beautiful scene, full of clear skies, sunshine and a cool breeze that turned eerily surreal in a matter of hours.

Luis Alicea recalled the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, as a beautiful scene, full of clear skies, sunshine and a cool breeze that turned eerily surreal in a matter of hours.

Artists over 19 years old, who have a disability and live in Arizona or one of Phoenix's nine sister cities, are eligible for the sixth annual Phoenix Sister Cities International Competition for Artists with Disabilities.

Labor Day is the perfect time for families and friends to get together. Barbecued pulled pork is an ideal summer dish when entertaining guests and is sure to please both kids and adults.

Labor Day is the perfect time for families and friends to get together. Barbecued pulled pork is an ideal summer dish when entertaining guests and is sure to please both kids and adults.

Tangy or mellow, spicy or mild, barbecue sauce is the icing on the steak - or ribs, or whatever else it is you happen to throw on the grill.

Tangy or mellow, spicy or mild, barbecue sauce is the icing on the steak - or ribs, or whatever else it is you happen to throw on the grill.

When it comes to camping close to home, Valley campers in the know have long pitched tents or parked RVs inside Maricopa County parks.